Milk *****

"Milk" is a superb biographical drama deftly mixed with documentary footage about the tragically short career of the nation's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk. In one of his most accessible features Gus Van Sant captures the man, the moment, and the movement at a time in the '70's when Anita Bryant was leading a national crusade to deny homosexuals protection from discrimination. The cast delivers outstanding work, including Sean Penn as Milk, Emile Hirsch as campaign manager Cleve Jones, and James Franco as Milk's partner Scott Smith. In limited release now, but expanding in December with an eye on the prizes of Oscar time.

Rated R. 128 minutes. Gus Van Sant - Director, Dustin Lance Black - Writer, Bruce Cohen - Producer, Dan Jinks - Producer, Michael London - Producer, Harris Savides - Cinematographer, Danny Elfman - Composer, Bill Groom - Production Designer, Elliot Graham - Editor. Produced and distributed by Focus Features.

Principal actors: Sean Penn, James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna, Victor Garber, and Denis O'Hare, Stephen Spinella.